My episode with Z Yang is a fantastic place to start. His story of games helping him stay connected and hopeful through a difficult time of his life is inspiring. And since then he has gone on to found a studio all about making meaningful games . That's Season 1 Episode 5.

Another great place to start is by listening to Dr. Jennifer Hazel recount why she, as a psychiatric doctor, started an organization about addressing mental health issues and wellness with video games. That's Season 2, Episode 1.

Those are great choices, but I try to make every episode accessible, so feel free to jump in wherever you find a topic that interests you!

For those who don't know, Cam Adair heads GameQuitters, an organization that provides support for gaming addicts and promotes awareness of the potential dangers of games on having a healthy lifestyle.To fans of games, even the concept of gaming addiction can be controversial.Oddly enough, while I expected that episode to turn into a debate, Cam and I seemed to have so much in common that our differences didn't seem as important to talk about. We mostly talked about our desire for gamers to lead the lives they want, free of whatever was holding them back - and that the role of gaming in their lives was something to be introspective about.That is one of the magical things about having a show where I get to talk to people from all walks of life.

The feedback from that show was exclusively positive - most grateful for having a different perspective represented.

The most controversial feedback I received an an episode was where I asked some questions about the financial relationship that some game publishers have to weapons manufacturers. I got a review calling my show "propaganda." I'm quite proud of that.

Plus 7 helps share stories of games for good - education, for instance, as highlighted in your episode with ICivics: Games, or fitness, as in your episode with Side Quest Fitness! What are some other recurring themes that you feature?

Games + psychology is an undercurrent of the entire show. Nearly every episode has something to do with it since we are starting to understand so much better how games affect us. This manifests in a lot of ways, particularly in the area of mental health.

Games have been associated with poor mental health for a long time. But now that people are abandoning stereotypes and using science, the multitude of benefits of gaming for your mental health are astounding: helping everyday people manage their mood, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing solace in the face of loss, and even being prescribed by counselors as a part of treatment. It's truly astonishing.

I did a whole series on Games + Mental Health for Season 2. Even Season 1 had a bunch of episodes about it.

I also like talking about how games lead to unusual careers (like a virtual archaeologist), or how people use skills/attitudes learned in video games in their real lives.

Yes! I see listeners getting in touch with charities and organizations and it warms my heart.

Take This is a great example, they have been pioneers for lots of people to get a better handle on their own mental health and to support people around them in the gaming community.

This last season in particular has had me featuring a lot of non-profits. This show not only allows me to chat with some of the people I most admire, but I get a chance to support them by echoing their message. It is very fulfilling to be able to contribute to so many different causes, when I definitely couldn't do so with my wallet. And it gives an added purpose to growing the show.

I am especially proud when I get to introduce one of my guests to the work of another guest, to see those worlds collide and combine. Since gamers often feel alone, there are so many people working out there with similar goals and passions who haven't found each other yet. it's great to be the bridge.

There is so much to talk about that I haven't covered yet or only with a glancing blow.

Games + . . .

Business

Music

Politics

Art/literature

Futurism

Economics

Parenting

Military

Just to name a few off the top of my head.

The opportunities are boundless - that's not an exaggeration. We've already talked about how games have addressed grief, genocide, identity - in the most unlikely places imaginable, games are making a difference.

I'd love to cover more personal stories, as well. Luckily, there are great shows like Heavily Pixelated that are already doing a fantastic job on that front.

The Games + Education series still has a ways to go, so look forward to more episodes on that in the coming weeks.

After that . . .

Honestly, my guests this season have been so incredible, that I'm still working on exactly how best to follow the act. I've been fortunate enough to be able to go through most of my "dream guests" already!

But in the process of making the show, I discover so much that I'll never run out of incredible gamers to talk to.

You can expect some more deep dives with focused series, since this allows me to dig deeper than other shows can.

And expect to see the show in more places with new partnerships. When I started the show, it was just a crazy idea. But now it is something that is resonating with people, so growth and expansion is what needs to happen.